Thomas Long

Thomas Dwight Long, son of the late Avis and Nelma (Smittle) Long, was born July 17, 1948, in St. George, Missouri, and passed away January 20, 2022, in Springfield, Missouri. He was 73 years, 6 months, and 3 days of age.

Thomas grew up in the St. George and Jerktail area and attended grade school at Cold Water School. He attended Hartville High School and graduated with the class of 1966. After graduation, he attended the Draughon Business College in Springfield, Missouri. Tom was drafted into the Army in 1968, and he served in the Vietnam War as a an MP. He was honorably discharged in 1970. He then went to work at Stoddard Equipment Company in Springfield, Missouri, and worked his entire career in parts management. He retired as the Purchasing Agent in 2010.

In retirement, Tom spent a lot of time volunteering at his church and at the Red Cross. He generously gave blood throughout his life, and he had donated a total of 56 gallons. Tom was an active member of Unity Church in Springfield, Missouri, and he also served as an Elder there. He also faithfully attended the Hartville alumni reunion every year. Tom enjoyed history and reading, and he also enjoyed music. He also loved classic cars. He had the privilege of owning both a 1970 Chevelle and a 1937 Ford. Most of all, Tom enjoyed riding his bicycle all over Greene and Webster counties.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Avis and Nelma Long.

He is survived by two brothers, John Long and his wife, Patty, of Ozark, Missouri, and Randy Long and Carol Harvey of Lebanon, Missouri, three nephews and nieces, Chris Long and his wife, Dani, of Haughton, Louisiana, Amy York and her husband, Andrew, of Springfield, Missouri, and Liz Stoll and her husband, Joey, of Phenix City, Alabama, five great-nephews and great-nieces, Allie Long of Denton, Texas, John York of Springfield, Missouri, Emory Long of Haughton, Louisiana, Avery Stoll of Phenix City, Alabama, and Hayes Stoll of Phenix City, Alabama, his best friend, Nancy McDarris of Hartville, Missouri, and many other friends and extended family who will miss him.